New Adaptation of Frankenstein Sparks Mixed Reactions
Over the years, Frankenstein has inspired countless adaptations, parodies, and spin-offs. The latest is Guillermo del Toro’s new project, which has just debuted.
In our current era, with advances in AI, gene therapy, and a growing focus on avoiding death, it’s understandable why a tale about a scientist bringing a creature to life might strike a chord. Del Toro, known for his imaginative storytelling, gothic themes, and unique monsters, seemed well-suited to tackle this iconic narrative.
There’s a central theme: what should be a narrative about hope and profound love morphs into a tale of brutal horror and unavoidable sorrow.
Still, one might wonder if in this version, with its contemporary context and the director’s unique style, the film risks being just another example of cloying “woke” cinema. Will del Toro remain faithful to Mary Shelley’s classic, or will he lean into modern trends and distort the essence of the tale?
Unfortunately, it seems he opted for the latter approach.
A Different Perspective
Del Toro and his team, while showcasing their trademark visual artistry, shift the narrative from a romantic exploration of human flaws to a tale focusing on a marginalized figure battling an oppressive creator. This creature isn’t merely a horrific monster wreaking havoc; it’s a delicate, misunderstood outcast deserving of empathy.
In fact, it’s Victor Frankenstein who emerges as the true antagonist. He not only mistreats his creation but also commits heinous acts, including murder, and deceives others about it.
To be fair, del Toro probably conceptualized this film long before it aligned so well with current societal themes. His Oscar-winning work on “The Shape of Water” likely influenced his return to this structure. How could he anticipate that audiences might find it stale by the time of its release?
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that Shelley’s original novel touched upon similar themes, albeit in a more nuanced way.
Returning to the Source
While many readers focus on the sci-fi elements and the allegory of Prometheus illustrating unchecked creation, a more discerning reader might see Shelley’s work as a fundamental manifesto of Romanticism. Surprisingly, the scenery—the majestic Swiss Alps—becomes one of the central characters, framing every scene and conversation. The heart of the conflict isn’t Victor’s attempt to control his creation but rather his struggle to find meaning in a world made dull and sterile by Enlightenment ideals.
The essence of the novel centers on loneliness and its contribution to humanity’s deepest fears and impulses. The film manages to touch on this just a bit.
You have three main characters, all plagued by isolation. The book opens with Robert Walton, an explorer yearning for the North Pole, who shares his adventures in letters to his sister, emphasizing his lack of friendships. This compels him to be intrigued by Victor, who is searching for his own monster in the icy expanse.
Frankenstein himself shows signs of deep-seated loneliness.
Even with friends, a loving father, and the prospect of marriage, he seems to push people away. Perhaps he feels unworthy of their affection—especially after the chaos instigated by his creation—or maybe he wants to dictate the dynamics of his relationships entirely.
This antisocial tendency appears to be a major influence on both his character and his creations. While some might argue he is driven by ambition and morbid curiosity, Shelley emphasizes Victor’s affectionate upbringing and beautiful surroundings, which he ultimately disregards in favor of his twisted experiments.
Then there’s the creature—his expression of loneliness drives him to seek connection, leading him to terror as a means of obtaining companionship. Abandoned by Victor, he roams the land, desperately searching for acceptance, ultimately feeling betrayed.
The Impact of Loneliness
Viewing the narrative through the lens of loneliness reveals a striking argument about the importance of connection and the dysfunction stemming from its absence.
This resonated especially with today’s audience, who face rising isolation in modern society.
Many young individuals today, in developed regions, mirror the experiences of Walton, Frankenstein, or his monster. They often feel sidelined, without adequate means of expressing their thoughts and frustrations. This might lead to dark behaviors or a desire for online recognition as a response to feeling rejected.
Critics seem to miss this broader theme just as contemporary social commentators overlook the deeper issues facing youth.
At the core of this turmoil is loneliness—a spiritual crisis brewed beneath the surface.
If Victor had adhered to a Christian philosophy, perhaps he would have embraced his limitations and sought ways to build relationships. Instead, he resorts to creating a living hell populated by his own creations.
It’s worth noting that while Shelley may not have been a devout Christian, and del Toro identifies as an atheist, they both drift away from the notion of community, friendship, and human value embodied in such teachings.
What started as a narrative of love and redemption devolves into a tale filled with terror and unavoidable doom.
A Needed Reflection
Even if this secular humanistic approach enhances dramatic moments, it overlooks essential truths: humans are meant for connection.
Victor’s ultimate transgression wasn’t curiosity or ambition—it lay in neglecting those around him. His journey isn’t a result of a troubled upbringing, as the film suggests, but a willful rejection of his spiritual guidance. Consequently, he kinks his own existence with endless suffering.
Though del Toro and Shelley may overlook these elements, it’s crucial for viewers and readers alike to reflect on themes of loneliness and nihilism resonating all around us.
